@ bigbossman, you are what is called a "technofixer". I suggest you do some research. There is no technofix for peak oil, sorry. I wish there were.

Just came back from my LBS, where all 220lbs of me was plonked on a Diamondback Crestview and a Giant Perigee (now known as a CRX I think). The Perigee was very nice, at AU$1200, the Diamondback only AU$600 or so after a 30% discount. The shop mechanic says he simply does not see aluminium frames failing, which was reassuring. I'm not sure why there is so much brouhaha about this issue then ... puzzling.

I was told the best bike for me would be what is called a "flat bar roadie" here; this is apparently a road bike with flat bars and thinner tires than a hybrid.